Ayawaso by-election violence: Emile Short Commission sworn-in

Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has sworn in the three-member commission tasked with investigating the violence that ensued during the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election last week.

At the ceremony Friday, Dr. Bawumia lauded the composition of the commission, saying, “I don’t know anyone who can really question the integrity of the commission.”

He also assured them that “all the necessary arrangements and logistics shall be provided” to make their work smooth.

“I wish you the very best in the inquiry and the nation is grateful,” he said.

Dr Bawumia highlighted the fact that such a commission is historic since it is the first time a Presidential Commission was being inaugurated to investigate election-related violence.

Chairperson of the Commission, Justice Francis Emile Short, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the national interest.

He promised that they would carry out their mandate “in an objective and fair manner.”

“We would like to urge all and sundry to give us the support we need to find a credible and lasting solution to the phenomenon of electoral violence and vigilante groups,” he added.

The other members of the commission are law professor, Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu and former Inspector-General of Police, Patrick Kwarteng Acheampong. Former Dean of GIMPA School of law, Kofi Abotsi, is secretary to the commission.

“…it shows a difference to deal with this issue fundamentally,” he said.

Armed men clothed in National Security apparel stormed the residence of the NDC candidate, Delali Kwesi Brempong, and allegedly attacked supporters of the opposition.

Eyewitnesses say the men engaged in a shooting spree, injuring at least six persons.

The Minister of State in-charge of National Security, Bryan Acheampong, has said the men were deployed as part of an operation, although he didn’t disclose such operation.

The men have, however, been accused of being members of the governing NPP affiliated vigilante group, Invincible Forces.